Founded in 1947, the Archives de l’École des Hautes Études en Science Sociales started as a department. It was part of the École pratique des hautes études. This department focused on economics and social sciences.
The Archives de l’École des Hautes Études en Science Sociales gained independence in 1975. It became its own higher education institution. This transformation marked a significant moment. The École des Hautes Études en Science Sociales aimed to carve out a distinct place for social sciences. It wanted to promote interdisciplinary exchanges. The focus was on studying human societies.
Lucien Febvre directed the original department. Later, Jacques Le Goff championed its independence. He worked tirelessly to establish the École des Hautes Études en Science Sociales. The decree establishing the school was issued on January 25, 1975.
Initially, the Archives de l’École des Hautes Études en Science Sociales was located at 54 Boulevard Raspail. This location also housed the Maison des Sciences de l’Homme. Fernand Braudel founded this institution.
From its early days, the Archives de l’École des Hautes Études en Science Sociales became a hub. It attracted influential researchers and thinkers. Pierre Bourdieu and Jacques Derrida were among them. So were François Furet, Françoise Héritier, Claude Lévi-Strauss, and Jean-Pierre Vernant.
The Archives de l’École des Hautes Études en Science Sociales attracts students worldwide. They come to benefit from its unique approach. It combines historical analysis with understanding the modern world. Seminars foster collaboration between students and researchers. These seminars have been central to the school’s research training since its founding.
Since becoming independent in 1975, the Archives de l’École des Hautes Études en Science Sociales has encouraged debate. This includes discussions about concepts and disciplines. It also includes diverse cultural areas.
In 2017, the Archives de l’École des Hautes Études en Science Sociales moved back to its headquarters. It is again located at 54 boulevard Raspail. This is in the heart of Paris.
The École des Hautes Études en Sciences Sociales continues to thrive. It promotes innovative research in the social sciences. It builds on its rich history and influential figures. Its mission remains to foster critical thinking. It also aims to understand our complex world. The Archives de l’École des Hautes Études en Science Sociales remains a vibrant center for intellectual exchange.